One of the most beautiful things about Istanbul is its unique skyline and architecture. Minarets still crown the city skies no matter in which direction you look, making it an interesting composition between new and old buildings. As much as I love Chicago‘s or San Francisco‘s skylines, I admit I was very impressed by Istanbul’s ancient charm. The grandeur of the Byzantine Empire is still in the atmosphere, don’t you agree?

If you are passionate about architecture and want to take breathtaking photographs you should definitely check these locations.

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Check 10 Sites To Take The Best Skyline Pictures in Shanghai

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1. Galata Tower
Location: Bereketzade Mh., Galata Kulesi (Google)
Best Views: Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Admission: 20 TL
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (9-20)
Description: Throughout history, this tower has been used for several purposes. As a jail for prisoners and as an observatory among others. The 360º balcony on the 9th floor offers amazing views but it’s quite small. If you want to get nice pictures at sunset be there early!

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2. Topkapı Palace
Location: Bereketzade Mh., Galata Kulesi (Google)
Best Views: Bosphorus bridge, Maiden’s Tower, Ayazma Mosque and Galata Tower
Admission: 30 TL
Opening hours: Wed-Mon (9-16.45)
Web: topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en/visit-information
Description: The best views are from the courtyard at the Fatih Kiosk (Treasury) and from the Tower of the Fast Break. Check the official plan here. Besides the skyline views, you’ll get to enjoy one of the most amazing spots of Istanbul, especially if you like architecture. This palace is a must visit, you’ll love every single corner of it!

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3. Maiden’s Tower
Location: Üsküdar Salacak Mevkii (Google)
Best Views:  Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower
Admission: Menus start at 165 TL
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (9-24)
Web: www.kizkulesi.com.tr
Description: The local tale says that the tower was built by a wealthy man who was trying to protect his daughter from a prophecy spoken by an oracle – a prophecy foretelling the death of the man’s daughter by a snake bite. To prevent these words from coming true, the father built a tower to keep his daughter safe in the water. A snake would eventually find its way to the tower when the father came to visit with a basket full of fruit. Now the tower works as a restaurant and there’s a free boat service every 15 min departing from the Üsküdar pier. Views from here are amazing, however, if you want to include the tower in your pictures (and save some money too), try the restaurant in front, which has comfortable couches and pretty close views from the tower.

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4. Istiklal Avenue
Location: İstiklal Cd (Google)
Best Views:  Çiçek Pasajı and St. Anthony Of Padua Church
Admission: Free
Description: Named “Independence Avenue” it is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul. It is an elegant pedestrian street, 1.4 kilometers long, which houses boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, libraries… There are a few interesting buildings such as foreign consulates. Don’t miss the Çiçek Pasajı and St. Anthony Of Padua Church. If you want to take urban pictures, this is your spot!

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5. The Marmara Pera- Mikla Rooftop
Location: Asmalı Mescit Mh. Meşrutiyet Cd No:93 (Google)
Best Views:  Hagia Sofia, Galata Tower
Admission: Free admission to Mikla Rooftop (160TL menu), Pool for guests only
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (18-2)
Web: www.pera.themarmarahotels.com
Description: Apparently, rooms are not worth it and the rooftop pool is quite small, so you better come here as a visitor. However, everyone agrees that the skyline views from here are simply amazing. I would go for a fancy drink rather than a 3 course dinner if I were you. Sunsets from the Mikla Rooftop are spectacular, bring your tripod!

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6. Ortaköy Mosque Pier
Location: Mecidiye Mh (Google)
Best Views:  Bosphorus Bridge and Ortaköy Mosque
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (24h)
Description: During Ramadan, New Year’s Eve and Republic Day the Bosphorus bridge gets special lighting or fireworks. This site is one of the best places to capture the show! The Ortaköy mosque has been recently restored and it looks amazing on every picture. For an elevated view try the Bomonti Brasserie which is the restaurant in front of the mosque. If you need some extra energy while shooting, try the waffles on the street just behind the mosque, they are absolutely amazing!

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7. Galata Bridge
Location: Hobyar Eminönü Mh., Hoca Kasım Köprüsü Sk (Google)
Best Views:  Galata Tower
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (10-22)
Description:This is probably one of the uggliest bridges you’ve ever seen, however, it is in one of the most magical areas of Istanbul. The bridge carries a constant flow of people crossing to and from Beyoğlu and Eminönü, a thousand fishermen and a constant procession of street vendors. Each shot from this bridge is different due to the many details and perspectives one can achieve. The Bosphorus tour departs from here by the way!

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8. Pierre Loti Café
Location: Gumussuyu Balmumcu Sik 1 Eyüp (Google)
Best Views: Golden Horn
Admission: Free admission (cash only)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (8-00)
Description: It may be a little off the touristic track, but the Pierre Loti café is worth the trek. I recommend coming here by taxi although taking the cable car up to the top is not a bad option either. It gets very packed during the weekends so if you can, come here during weekdays.

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9. Istanbul Sapphire
Location: Emniyetevleri Mah. Eski Büyükdere Cd No:1 D:1 (Google)
Best Views:  Bosphorus and Financial Area
Admission: 18TL- 15TL (students)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (10-22)
Web: www.istanbulsapphire.com/onlinebilet/
Description: Built in 2011 as a residential, leisure and shopping center project. Besides it’s interesting architecture concept, this building has the highest views of the city (261 m to be precise). Pictures will look amazing both at day time and at night but bring your tripod here, it does get windy on the top. Unless you know the weather conditions, I wouldn’t book the ticket online. If it’s rainy it’s completely worthless coming here!

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10. Bosphorus Cruise
Location: It departs from Eminönü pier (Google)
Best Views:  All the skyline at the Bosphorus
Admission: 4-25TL (depends on the company)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (10-18)
Web: sehirhatlari.com.tr/en/timetable/full-bosphorus-cruise-362.html
Description: The good thing about the boat tour is that you get to see all the monuments from their front perspective, which is their best side in terms of design. You’ll get to photograph the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque and the Beylerbeyi Palace from a unique point of view. Don’t book the tickets online! All the companies that have their website in English have overpriced tickets. Instead, ask a local where to buy the tickets. I paid 4TL for the two-way ticket!

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Check these and other amazing spots of Istanbul on the map below or download the Free Architecture Guide of Istanbul